. >>> a key senator expressed optimism that the government will be able to avoid the so called fiscal cliff. >> the president was about 200 billion higher on revenues. boehner 200 billion higher on spending cuts. out of a trillion dollar budget that doesn't seem unsurmountable so i would hope they would keep talking. >> congress is expected to be back in session by thursday. without a deal tax hikes for all americans and deep spending cuts will be triggered on january 1st. >>> the head of the national rifle association today defended his group's refusal to consider any form of gun control. >> look a gun is a tool. the problem is the criminal. every police officer that walks the street knows if you want to control violent crime take violent criminals off the street. >> on friday the nra called for armed guards in schools as the best way to prevent shootings like the one in newtown connecticut. today warner a supporter of gun ownership called for mental health care as a way to protect schools. >>> religion leaders prayed for peace and called for action to prevent gun violence. church me